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Dear friends and
neighbors, especially those in Stuckagain Heights neighborhood.
I've just been made aware
of a proposal from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson that
could significantly impact East Anchorage neighborhoods,
particularly the Muldoon area and Stuckagain Heights
neighborhood, as well as all recreational users of those East
Anchorage areas.
JBER has released a draft
environmental assessment recommending construction of a chain-link
fence topped with barbed wire along portions of the East
Muldoon/JBER boundary — stretching from the Glenn Highway to
Stuckagain Heights (“Vulnerable Area A”).
According to the
assessment, public access would be significantly restricted to
these recreational areas.
The proposal is currently
open for public comment until May 30.
Alternatives to this
fencing exist, which include increased base security assignments,
sensor or surveillance perimeter security, wildlife permeable
fencing, and designated wildlife crossings.
Unfortunately, none of
these are currently proposed. Its up to the community to voice
their opinion about the installation of this fencing.
Senator Wielechowski
raised this issue at a recent Joint Armed Services Committee
hearing and met with the JBER Commander to further discuss
community concerns.
I encourage residents,
trail users, neighborhood groups, and local stakeholders to review
the proposal and submit comments before the May 30, 2026
deadline. This is exactly the kind of issue where strong
community input matters.
You can review the
environmental assessment here:
JBER
Environmental Planning Page (https://www.jber.jb.mil/Services-Resources/Environmental/Environmental-Planning/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Direct PDF of the
assessment:
Draft
Environmental Assessment PDF (https://www.jber.jb.mil/Portals/144/Services-Resources/environmental/JBER_Perimeter_Security_Draft_EA_compiled_April_2026_508.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Public
comments can be emailed to:
673CES.CEIEC.EnvPlanning@us.af.mil
Assembly Members Keith
McCormick (who represents our District 6) and Yarrow Silvers are
writing a resolution opposing the plan.
A similar effort to build
this fencing was launched about 25 years ago.
I understand that the
military may see a need to secure the area but there has to be a
less intrusive solution.
We all feel strongly
about the importance of Anchorage’s quality of life and access to
recreation and wildlife resources.
We are incredibly
grateful for our JBER neighbors and the Service Members who protect
our nation every day.
I'm confident that we can
work together to continue their mission without this fence as has
been done successfully for decades.
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